Tofuku-ji Temple
東福寺
Kyoto's #1 autumn foliage temple with over 2,000 maple trees creating a sea of red. One of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples. Founded 1236. Features Japan's oldest and largest Sanmon gate (National Treasure, 1425). Famous Tsutenkyo Bridge offers breathtaking valley views.
Highlights & Must-See Features
- Tsutenkyo Bridge view over valley of 2,000+ maples (iconic autumn photo)
- Four different Zen gardens at Hojo (North, South, East, West - each unique)
- Sanmon gate - Japan's oldest and largest (1425, National Treasure)
- Kaisando Hall with beautiful moss garden
- Best autumn foliage in all of Kyoto
- Engetsukyo Bridge (free area, also beautiful in autumn)
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Tofukuji Station (JR Nara Line / Keihan Line) - 10 minutes walk
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: JR Nara Line to Tofukuji (2 minutes, 150 yen)
- 2 From Keihan Railway: Tofukuji Station
- 3 From station: 10 minute walk following signs through residential area
- 4 Peak autumn (mid-Nov to early Dec): Arrive before 9 AM opening or face 1-2 hour queues
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
34.97681 135.773773 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Mid to late November for peak autumn colors - absolutely spectacular but extremely crowded. Arrive before 8:30 AM opening. Spring and summer peaceful with greenery. Early December still good with fewer crowds.
Contact & Info
15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Tofuku-ji Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
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Free admission (donations welcome) · 2-3 hours for full summit hike (4km), 1 hour for lower shrine area only, 45 minutes for just Senbon Torii section
Sanjusangendo Temple
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600 yen adults, 400 yen junior high/high school, 300 yen children · 45 minutes to 1 hour (allow time to appreciate each statue section)
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
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Free admission · 30-45 minutes
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
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400 yen adults, 200 yen children (elementary/junior high) · 1.5-2 hours including temple, Jishu Shrine, and approach streets (Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka)
Ryozen Kannon Temple
霊山観音
300 yen · 20-30 minutes
Entoku-in Temple
圓徳院
500 yen (combo with Kodai-ji: 900 yen) · 30 minutes (longer during illuminations)